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Is timed writing a bit painful?

04.08.24

 

Is your child revising their 11+ creative writing using a timer?🕐

If you are, how is it going?

Plucking up the courage to try a writing piece using a timer can be like ripping off a sticking plaster —it can be a bit daunting and uncomfortable.

Using a timer for the first time can make some children feel defeated because they might not finish, forget their structure, or fail to add literacy devices or higher-level punctuation.

So, what is achieved by doing this? Maybe it reinforces their belief that they can’t do it or that it’s impossible?

Clearly, neither observation is accurate.

Here is something to try at home that could help with timings for 11+ creative writing.

👀To try at home
Example exam writing question: Write a story titled An Unusual Day.
Take 30 minutes to complete this task, including planning and checking.

A guide for the timings
Plan = 5 minutes
Part 1 = 7 minutes
Part 2 = 7 minutes
Part 3 = 7 minutes
Checking = 4 minutes
Total = 30 minutes
Note – adjust this for your child’s exam type.

👣Step 1 – Getting used to using a timer
  • Set the timer for 5 minutes.
  • Write ONLY the plan.
And that’s it! Leave the rest of the writing for later or the next day.

👣Step 2 – Time the plan and part 1
  • Set the timer for 12 minutes.
  • Write the same plan (without looking at what they did yesterday). Take 5 minutes.
  • Write the first third of the story (the beginning). Take 7 minutes.
Then, leave it there.

👣Step 3 – Time the plan, part 1 and part 2
  • Set the timer for 19 minutes.
  • Write the same plan (without looking at what they did yesterday). Take 5 minutes.
  • Write the first third of the story (the beginning they did yesterday). Take 7 minutes.
  • Write the middle of the story (problem section). Take 7 minutes.
Then, leave it there.

👣Step 4 – Time the plan, part 1 and part 2, part 3 and check (30 minutes)
  • Set the timer for 30 minutes.
  • Plan, write and check the whole story (the same content as the days before).

The benefit of repeating specific steps of the same story is that each time your child does it, they might refine the writing by including better vocabulary, literary devices, and higher-level punctuation. The result? A strong 11+ piece of writing (written to time!) and lots of feel-good vibes!

Good luck and let us know if you have any other tips to share!
Anna